I started working at Schaefer's as a stock boy during my high school days at Loyola Academy in the early sixties. Actually my title was "bottle boy" because I spent virtually my entire time sorting empty returnable pop and beer bottles by brand so that they could be returned to our suppliers. I joined on full time upon graduation from the University of Notre Dame in 1966. Through my hard work and nepotism (mostly) I have become president of our family's business.

In 1973 I married a lovely Milwaukee girl named Ruth "Cookie" Herr. We have four wonderful children: Anje (1975 vintage), George III (1977 vintage), Mary Eileen (1980 vintage) and Bobby (1981 vintage). I have (and currently do) lived most of my life in "Skevanston" (Skokie/Evanston 60203 - it's complicated).

Through the years I have been involved in several different professional associations and wining and dining groups (hey, it's my job) including: Confrérie de la Châine des Rôtisseurs, Commanderie de Bordeaux, International Wine & Food Society, Knights of the Vine, Sons of Bacchus (SOBs), Degustateurs, Oenetrians, Wine & Spirits Guild of America, American Institute of Wine & Food.

I have also enjoyed and have been greatly rewarded by my association with the following organizations: Kendall College (Board of Trustees), Harborquest Employment Readiness Program (Board of Directors), Skokie Chamber of Commerce (past director), St. Joan of Arc Parish (past president of School Board and PPC) and the Infant Welfare Society of Evanston (past Advisory Board). I have also enjoyed serving as an advisor for events of the following organizations: American Cancer Society, American Heart Association of North Cook County, Orchard Village, Misericordia Heart of Mercy , Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Northwestern University Settlement Association. I am extremely proud to have been selected as the co-recipient (along with my sister Gene) of Market Watch Magazine’s “Community Service Award” for 2004. Other acknowledgements that I have been privileged to have received include: Kendall College -- President’s Award 1998; STRIVE (job readiness workshop) -- Volunteer of the Year 2004; and St. Joan Of Arc Parish -- Distinguished Service Award 2005.

My hobbies include fishing, boating (34’ Sea Ray 2000 vintage), SCUBA diving, swimming, saltwater fish aquarium and drinking my Dewar's with water (do you see an aquatic pattern here?). I’m a die-hard Cubs fan. I enjoy hacking at my computer (a Mac) and messing around (literally) in the kitchen once in a while. My musical taste is rather eclectic but my favorites are Jimmy Buffett (I'm a Parrothead), the late Ray Charles and good old rock 'n' roll. I enjoy traveling but not as much as Cookie. My perfect vacation is sailing on a catamaran through the British Virgin Islands with Cookie and a couple of other couples.

The wines that really get me excited are usually the cheap ones (a $10 bottle that tastes like it should be $20+) rather than the Grand Crus and "cult wines" ($100+ bottles that taste like they should be $20).

I am most grateful for my awesome family, my health (a survivor of prostate cancer, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and a stem cell transplant, my many terrific and longtime friends, our wonderful crew at Schaefer's, our loyal and gracious customers and the very nice quality of life I enjoy as a result.

For periodic updates regarding my transplant, click here.

To contact me, click here.